The Cardinal and Italy Come to Christendom

September 23, 2010

Name: Angelica CintorinoAge: 18Year: FreshmanFrom: Long Island, NYMajor: UndeclaredHobbies? My hobbies are: listening to and playing music (flute), reading, cooking/baking, and spending time with family and friends.What's your favorite class? Even though I thoroughly enjoy all my classes and love the professors, I especially love History of Western Civilization (History 101) with College President Dr. Timothy O'Donnell. During his classes, he makes history come alive. He is very engaging and is always so excited to share his knowledge and love of history with his students.Do you participate in any drama or music related activities? Not yet, but I am hoping to at some point in the future.What is your favorite thing about Christendom? One of the many reasons why I love Christendom is that I am able to receive a solid, Catholic education with many opportunities to grow deeper in the faith. Another favorite thing about Christendom is that the people here are all so friendly and special. We're all like one big family...everyone looks out for and cares for the other person. Just being with the people who share the same values—talking with them, having fun together—is simply incredible!Why did you choose Christendom? I fell in love with Christendom after visiting the college last year. Christendom is the college where I felt God was leading me, and I do not have a single regret about coming here!What do you plan to do after graduation? Wow! Well, as of right now, I do not have any plans after graduation. As the semester continues I'll be thinking more about the future and start planning accordingly.

Games and More at Pub Night

Students filled a festively decorated St. Kilian’s Café on Friday night for a cozy evening of board and card games, where candy corn and other fall favorites were available to snack on.

Underage students were able to request a large variety of non-alcoholic beverages provided by Christendom’s Student Activity Council.

Music played throughout the evening and students of all ages had a fantastic time. Freshmen Conor Knox, Elizabeth Altomari, Anna Van Hecke, and Paddy Salmon enjoy a game of Apples to Apples.

Senior Scott Lozyniak enjoys his cider and a conversation with Senior Margaret Antunes.

The Big Night

On Saturday, one of the biggest highlights of every year—Italian Night—did not disappoint!

Students filed into the St. Lawrence Commons for a delicious Italian dinner, complete with dessert and Italian soda bars prepared by Chef Dennis Paranzino, Associate Director of Admissions Mike Schmittino, and several students.

The Commons was festively decorated for the occasion, as was the courtyard (Piazza San Lorenzo), where the dance took place. Twinkling lights surrounded the dance floor and the walkways leading up to the Commons, and the overall setting of the dance could hardly have been more perfect.

“The beautiful weather made a great dancing atmosphere and the moon hit our eye like a big pizza pie,” freshman Elizabeth Francis said.

Students danced to a fun mixture of songs for hours, stopping only to grab a snack or chat with their friends. Everybody dressed up for the occasion, and many young ladies even dressed in blacks and reds for this special night. The dinner and dance took everyone’s minds off of schoolwork for a while and it certainly provided everyone with a good taste of la dolce vita—the sweet life!

Freshmen Andrew Hepler and Melanie Clark swing across the dance floor in Piazza San Lorenzo.

President's Council Visit Weekend

Francis Cardinal Arinze, author George Weigel, and former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum joined members of Christendom's elite group of top benefactors—the President's Council— and members of the Board of Directors and Advisors for Christendom College’s Annual President’s Council Visit Weekend held September 17-19.

During the special weekend, guests were able to soak in the atmosphere of the College by attending classes, taking tours of the campus, and enjoying a pontoon boat ride on the beautiful Shenandoah River among other events.

Students, faculty, and guests attended two Masses offered on Saturday and Sunday by Cardinal Arinze, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Students on kayaks wave to guests on Saturday's boat ride on the Shenandoah.

Sunday with the Cardinal

On Sunday, Christendom College was honored to host Cardinal Arinze, who celebrated the 10 a.m. Mass. Inspiring the student body during his homily, he told the congregation, “Everything in your closet belongs to the poor; you are just locking it away.”

He said that material possessions are good, but have to be used in a way that benefits those who live in poverty. He placed specific emphasis on the fact that material goods are fleeting, and that, in this life, every Catholic should be doing as much a possible to help those in need.

Following Sunday Mass, a brunch was held, which Cardinal Arinze attended and greeted Christendom students and faculty.

“It was very inspiring for me to see Cardinal Arinze, who works alongside the Pope, at our college for the weekend," freshman Theresa Francis said. "I felt very privileged to eat meals with him in the Commons and go to Mass and hear his homily.”

Senior Matt Rensch presents the Cardinal with a spiritual bouquet from the students in thanksgiving for his extraordinary support of the college. Students gather around the Cardinal for a photo after brunch.

Examining Muhammad

Tuesday night, students and faculty came to the library to attend a lecture given by Classical and Early Christian Studies Professor Andrew Hayes entitled “Muhammad and the Christological Heresies.” Prof. Hayes spoke on the life of Muhammad and the different theories regarding Muhammad and Islam in general. He drew upon many scholarly theories and discussed the merits and flaws within each theory in attempt to “raise the bar in Catholic discussions regarding Muhammad.”

“The lecture gave me a better insight into why the Qur’an criticizes Christianity the way it does,” Senior Ben Allen said.

Professor Hayes also covered different Western scholarly approaches toward Muhammad and the difficulties Christians and Muslims encounter when discussing their respective faiths in relation to one another.

As Mr. Hayes said, “We don’t have to accept Muhammad or Islamic scripture, but we should acknowledge what they have correct.”

Though the Rome students arrived in bella Roma rather exhausted, myself included, we've managed to cram quite a bit into the last week and half. As soon as we arrived at the Residenza Candia, frazzled and tired from overnight flights from various stateside locations, it seemed as though we were departing again. But what a joy to be arriving in a place as beautiful, peaceful, and spiritual as Assisi! Even the ride there was simply gorgeous. All of us on the bus couldn't help but stare out the window as we passed, quite possibly, the most beautiful scenery we'd ever been blessed to see.

We arrived in Assisi and promptly had a tour of the city. While being shown around the city, we were lucky enough to see a parade of several cities, in traditional medieval garb, marching to an archery contest—complete with crossbows! We all stood in excitement as they all processed by, playing drums, trumpets, and preparing for the contest.

I must say, Assisi has got to be the photographer's dream city—the most beautiful city I'd ever seen. The most beautiful thing, for me, was to visit the Church of San Domiano. It is truly so incredible to be able to sit and just be in Christ's presence, in the same place He spoke to St. Francis who so greatly influenced the Church! The students were also blessed to be able to visit several other churches in Assisi (including The Basilica of San Rufino, which contained the baptismal font of Sts. Francis and Clare, the Basilica of St. Francis, and the Church of St. Clare).

We also visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, which contains the death-place of St. Francis, as well as a Chapel he helped build, and spent much of his time in. The students were so excited to be able receive a special Plenary Indulgence at this Basilica and hear Mass in front of the tomb of St. Francis.

Soon came the time for us to head to Siena. On the way we stopped in Montepulciano, and toured a wine cellar, which was followed by a wine tasting. We learned about a few different sorts of wines, and how they are made, etc. The second day in Sienna we heard Mass in the Church at the Benincasa house, the house where St. Catherine of Siena lived, and spent much of her time. We later received a tour of Siena, and were grateful to be able pray before the head of St. Catherine.

During our trips to Assisi and Siena, the students were lucky enough to have Fr. John Walsh travel with us, to say Mass, hear confessions, receive advice from, and give talks before dinner. His talks were amazing, inspiring, and even in the past few days have been sorely missed by many.

After seeing a Eucharistic miracle in the Basilica of San Francesco, on our last evening in Siena, we all gathered in the Piazza del Campo to sing Robin Curran happy birthday on the eve of her birthday.

It was such a blessing to be able to walk in the cities where three incredibly inspiring people (Francis, Clare, and Catherine) walked, prayed, and grew closer to God. As we settle into our daily lives here in Rome, I only pray that we make it our mission in life to strive to follow their example, and be men and women of God, to the best of our ability. Then will we truly benefit from this unforgettable experience, and truly make the most of what surely is one of the most important time of our lives.

St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Catherine, ora pro nobis!Students enjoyed many breath-taking views including the one above: Assisi in the morning.The medieval parade.

The parade pasted right by the Church of St. Clare.

Liz Sartor and Grace Bellow snap a photo by the lower entrance of the Basilica of St. Francis.

Joe Long put on a juggling show in one of the piazzas in Assisi.

Students hiked up to the hermitage where St. Francis spent many retreats. The Duomo in Siena.

In the core at Christendom College, Philosophy 101 is an introduction to philosophical thought through the study of Ancient Western philosophy. The class includes an overview of pre-Socratic thought, with a particular emphasis on the thought of Plato and Aristotle. Students study such works as Plato’s Republic, Plato’s Five Dialogues, and Traditional Logic: The Art of Reasoning According to the Doctrine of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas.

The class focuses on Aristotelian logic especially, and the goal of the class is to not only make the students love wisdom, but to make them pursue wisdom as well. The class incorporates seminar-style discussion to make the students truly think, and in this way, students learn to listen and take notes while also helping control the class.

“I love Dr. Cuddeback’s class because he increases our wonder by asking questions that show us the tip of the iceberg of philosophy,” freshman Klarissa Blank says.

There is no doubt that Philosophy 101 seems to be one of the most thought-provoking and fun classes of the core curriculum at Christendom!

To learn more about Philosophy 101, The Chronicler asked Dr. John Cuddeback, a few questions about the class:

The Chronicler: What do you enjoy about teaching Philosophy 101?Dr. John Cuddeback: Every year I experience wonder anew at what the Greeks have seen about the world. It is an honor and a great joy for me to play a part in opening to students these profound insights. I especially enjoy experiencing wonder together with the freshmen.

C: How is the subject of Philosophy vital to a Liberal Arts education?JC: Inasmuch as philosophy is the science, or sciences, of wisdom it is the natural end of the liberal arts. In philosophy the student experiences in a unique way how all speculative studies come together for the sake of insight into the highest realities. Philosophy also has the privilege of being the handmaid of theology, the more ultimate end of liberal education.

C: What is your favorite topic to teach in Philosophy?JC: Among the core courses I enjoy human nature and ethics most of all. Here, students especially find that the insights of philosophy can make a dramatic difference in their self-understanding, and in how they live life. At the elective level, I find examining St. Thomas’ understanding of the common good—his vision of the family, the state, and the order of the universe—the most rewarding.

C: How do you feel Philosophy relates to one's life?JC: How can I answer this? Philosophy, as the pursuit of wisdom—a pursuit that finds its fulfillment in supernatural wisdom, is at the heart of the truly human life. This does not mean that to be fully human one must engage in the study of philosophy in the classroom. But it is my conviction that the study of philosophy in the classroom can play a significant role in encouraging and preparing students to seek and discover the wonderful truths of reality, truths that reveal and lead us to God, Whose vision we hope to share forever in heaven. May He grant that it be so.

Lady Crusaders Thrill With Comeback Against Gallaudet

Often you can tell the true character and heart of a team by how many times they battle back in the 2nd half of a game.

The Lady Crusaders did it again with their 2nd come-from-behind win of the season against a physical Gallaudet University team yesterday at Skyline Complex in Front Royal.

The team, down 1-2 at halftime due to some unlucky goals scored on keeper Molly Morey, rallied in the 2nd half to beat Gallaudet 3-2 in an energetic win against another Division III opponent.

The first half saw good soccer played by both sides, but Gallaudet striking twice to take a 2-1 lead into halftime. Energized by Coach Nelson, the team showed their true heart and strength as they battled back in the 2nd half.

The game saw the Snyder sisters (Jane and Rachel) each scoring a goal—Jane’s coming off of a beautiful crossing ball. Defense added a shut-down 2nd half performance behind goalkeeper Molly Morey. The midfielders led by Theresa Lamirande and Morgan Kavanagh kept the attack on with their outside runs which led to many crossing opportunities against the Gallaudet Bison.

Team captain Cecilia O’Reilly scored the game winning goal off a penalty kick late in the game. From there the steady defense and mid-field took over to hold on for the win. The game improved their record to 3-4. The consecutive wins have come at a great time for the team who has battled through adversity and injury and now with added energy and confidence will take their winning ways against Valley Forge Christian College on Saturday at 2pm at Sherando Field.

We will see all you Christendom Crazies there!

Freshman Karen Hambleton maneuvers past her opponent.

Sophomore Cecilia O'Reilly charges up the field.

Freshman Morgan Kavanagh looks to sink one in the net.

Q. What do people do with their degrees from Christendom?

A. Christendom grads are employed in just about every field possible. We have alumni who have degrees in philosophy who are financial analysts and teachers. We have alumni with history degrees who are marketing professionals and officers in the military. Theology majors are now electrical engineers and computer software programmers. We have alumni who are doctors, lawyers, physical therapists, accountants, managers, nurses, educators, salesmen, graphic artists, editors, entrepreneurs, project managers, tradesmen, builders, carpenters, priests, religious, music teachers, art directors, drama teachers, missionaries, real estate agents, insurance salesmen, architects, dentists, college professors, Montessori teachers, computer scientists, and everything in between.

The liberal arts education that Christendom offers is good and useful in and of itself, but it also makes our graduates very employable. Our graduates are easily able to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and they have all the most sought-after skills, as evidenced by the following information:

Liberal arts students advance more quickly to middle and senior management positions than their colleagues who pursued other fields of study . . . these graduates become employees that are ready to learn (AT&T Management Study).

The liberal arts are more effective in teaching communication skills, general knowledge and information, an understanding of people, an appreciation of ethical concerns, an ability to organize and prioritize, and vital leadership skills (Fortune 500 study).

Strong communications skills are the single most important attribute a candidate can have – and also the one most lacking among job applicants (Poll of hiring managers by the National Association of Colleges and Employers).

A broad liberal arts education is preferred for future CEOs – blending knowledge of history, culture, philosophy, and economic policy, with international experience and problem-solving skills (The Wall Street Journal).

Employers focus on finding graduates with the right skills rather than the right major, as a new employee with the right skills can easily learn the specifics of an industry. Employers desire transferable skills, skills employees take with them to any job, such as written and verbal communication skills, the ability to solve complex problems, to work well with others, and to adapt in a changing workplace – and these are characteristic of a liberal arts education (Survey by National Association of Colleges and Employers).

If anyone has questions about applying, visiting, scholarships, financial aid, campus life, rules and regulations, majors, core curriculum, transfer credits, or even about the food here at Christendom, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.